Thai Art

So apparently this was major art week. I am bummed I missed two sessions but if I had to miss class this would be the best time for it. We had art class all week but the art class is learning how they do the art in most of the temples and we do it ourselves on blocks of wood etc. We do it the old way that they have done it in the past and then we do it with gold paint or other materials.
We have drawn lotus flowers, used stencils and gold leaf, painted, and did this weird black fish design that took forever to make and ended up only presenting a gold fish at the end...but it was incredibly cool to do the whole procedure. I would much rather have art class than 4 hours of Thai language class. O well next week will be back to the ol grind again with more Thai language and culture class.
Yesterday we also had a class on Buddhism taught to us by a 85+ year old man that needed to be escorted into class and out. He was an incredible teacher though that used stories to help us understand Buddhist philosophy. We also got a copy of two of his books on Buddhism and I am excited to read them for class! We are learning the original Buddhism religion (called Folk Buddhism) not the Buddhism mostly practiced in Thailand which is a mix of Animism and Buddhism.
Last night my host father took marit and I to a steak house for dinner and it was really good! Most likely we will go there again I hate to admit. Very american food but sometimes my stomach needs a rest from the exotica that is Thai food.
I am planning on putting up some other little pictures thus far on the side so check them out, if they aren't there...I got lazy.
Tonight we are going out to dinner with some people from our group and some Thai buddies. Marit invited her host sister so she is coming and she is excited. Should be a good time. Tomorrow we are going to hang with the girls from the trip and have a girl day with a shopping trip and possibly lunch or maybe even another Thai massage? who knows. I would be down for a pedicure too if possible.
I am looking forward to going to class on Monday again and actually being able to attend. The next couple weekends are going to get really busy with the Chiang Mai flower festival, the temple stay weekend, and Marit's birthday the next so keep reading for more excitement to come!
You stay classy United States,
Aubs